There's not much in this world that is free, unless you're looking in the right places. If you love your winter activities but don't love the damage it can do to your bank account, Riverside Golf Course might be the answer to all of your problems. Riverside shuts down their golf course when the weather turns cold and then transforms itself into a true winter wonderland, featuring ice skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. Oh, and the best part? EVERYTHING IS FREE!

Courtesy of Riverside Golf Course
Courtesy of Riverside Golf Course
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If ice skating is your game, Riverside has two skating rinks that are open 24/7. They both have the feel of your everyday backyard pond hockey rink. Riverside freshens the ice when needed, and the smaller of the two rinks is lit for evening or overnight skating. (if you just can't sleep)

Courtesy of Riverside Golf Course
Courtesy of Riverside Golf Course
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Snowshoeing and sledding is permitted throughout Riverside golf course 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. There are different various hills that are best suited for sledding, and if you're snowshoeing, you can follow Riverside's extensive cross country skiing trails for an afternoon of fun.

Courtesy of Riverside Golf Course
Courtesy of Riverside Golf Course
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Speaking of those cross country skiing trails, Riverside has a lot of acreage to offer up. There are two different starting points, with one starting point and trail that is dog-friendly. Just like the skating rinks and sledding hills, the cross country ski trails are open 24 hours a day.

Riverside Golf Course is city-owned, so the City of Portland asks that you clean up after yourself as well as your pets. There are no equipment rentals available on-site, so you'll have to bring your own stuff. There is a restaurant on premises that has bathrooms, however it has limited hours during the winter season.

Have fun and enjoy your hidden winter oasis that has been hiding in plain sight!

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